Teignmouth Post and Gazette No 4902 Friday 30 January 1976

BROADMEADOW SPORTS CENTRE

All those “irresponsible wild men” who, in the autumn had the temerity to call for an inquiry into the Broadmeadow Sports Centre project, can now permit themselves the luxury of a wry smile. For on Tuesday evening, Teignmouth Town Council did a gigantic 180 degree about face, and itself decided to call for such an inquiry, probably by the local Government Ombudsman.

And in what way has the position changed since the autumn? In no way at all; what was "pointless" then, has simply become respectable and “pointless" now. Anyone wistfully anticipating the unmasking of some Poulson-sized scandal is certain to be sadly disappointed.

A completed centre, benefitting sports persons both young and not so young, will add more to the sum of human happiness and simple pleasures than any amount of inquiries.

PUSS IN SLIPPERS

”It will be alright on the night”. The Shaldon and Ringmore WI annual party was only able to have one dress rehearsal in the morning - the hall had been double booked. China, tablecloths, and the answers to the word game questions were mislaid, and the central heating was not working, on the coldest day of the year.

By the time the party was due to start, all problems had been sorted, except the heating. But the coffee and sausage rolls were hot!The Drama Group entertained with “Puss in Slippers” (boots are too dear). The Dame, wearing football socks under her ballgown - insisted she was only there to give the groom away. The evening finished with Old Time dancing to keep warm.

HIPPODROME

This year’s Devon County Show will be an occasion when talented horses and ponies will be invited to let their manes down, while a host of doggie participants will likewise hold their tails high.

One highlight will be an ambitious pageant “Dogs of All Nations”. It is expected that some 70 breeds will parade, led by their owners in costumes descriptive of their country of origin; Borzois accompanied by Russian mounted huntsmen; Salukis with Arab riders; a team of Norwegian sled dogs, and a Saint Bernard on a rescue mission with a monk on the Swiss Alps, are but a few of the groups envisaged.

GARDEN SPRINKLERS

People n the South West will have to pay more to use garden sprinklers from April 1st. S.W. Water are to bring a standard charge for the whole region, based on a consumption of 30,000 at the normal meter rate. At present in East Devon, there is a fixed sprinkler charge of £10.35 a year, and Plymouth £2.76 per year, where the authorities do not require a meter to be installed. From April, Plymouth’s rate will go up to £16, and East Devon to between £17 - £18.

SUNDAY FISHING(From Days of Yore, 75 years ago)

A request from a number of residents, including the Ministers of some of the town’s churches, that fishing on the River Teign should be banned on Sundays, was turned down by the River Board.